To continue providing high-quality patient care in the communities it serves, the Palomar Health board of directors approved the shift of services from the Palomar Health Downtown Campus in Escondido to Palomar Medical Center three miles away and Pomerado Hospital in Poway. In a special board meeting, the board of directors approved the recommendation from the leadership team to transition services and close the downtown Escondido campus.

Discussions about the future of Palomar Health have been ongoing as part of the board's strategic planning process and this decision allows the health care district to better meet the long-term health care needs of the community. The closure of the Downtown Campus will save the district $20 million annually and create additional efficiencies and cost savings that can be reinvested in patient care throughout the system.

"Everyone in our service area deserves access to the best facilities and care available and it is our responsibility to ensure continued access now and for future generations," said Linda Greer, Palomar Health board of directors chairwoman. "This was a very important decision for the future of Palomar Health, and we put a great deal of thought into our vote. I am confident this is the right choice for the district and those we serve, and I appreciate the staff, patients and community members who had a voice during this process. I am excited about the future of Palomar Health."

"Palomar Health has a commitment to the community to continue providing high-quality, safe patient care into the future," said Robert Hemker, president and CEO of Palomar Health. "This decision positions our organization well to continue serving our community and growing with their health care needs. I am extremely confident in this recommendation and have faith that our leadership, medical staff, nursing staff and community partners will make this transition a success. As we continue our "patient first" focus I am excited about the future of Palomar Health. We must adapt to the rapid changes in health care, but will not compromise on our promise of high-quality, safe patient care. I thank our board for making this very tough, but necessary, decision that will help ensure our citizens have access to the highest quality healthcare for decades to come."